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Here’s the playlist from Nirav and me from the first ever music theme night at the 920 Special. The theme – as you know – was women in jazz.

Before I get to the songs, I wanted to add a few thoughts.

Thank you so much – all you dancers that came and supported & encouraged us; as well as all the people that sent suggestions via Facebook and in person. Thanks Nirav – so great partnering with you.

We will definitely have more nights where we focus on women in jazz. There is so much more amazing music we could not play and still want to showcase: Both Nirav and I barely touched the surface of what all we could have played; and had come prepared with many more hours of music than one night. Further, all the research and preparation we did; left us feeling there is so much inspiration to be had from all the amazing women throughout jazz history; just need to look more.

Having said that, yes, there are obviously way fewer instances of women as bandleaders, songwriters and featured instrumentalists over jazz history – it is up to all of us to find out, explore and appreciate those artists and the music as much as we can. This is what we tried to especially focus on – while picking what songs to play.

Enjoy the list – drop us a note that let us know what you thought! What were your favorites?

Set 1 (DJed by Dhruv):

Song : Hop Scop Blues
Artist : Lillian Boutté & Her American Band
Album : Live in Tivoli 1992
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Bandleader, vocalist Lillian Boutte

Song : Mess-a-Stomp
Artist : Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds Of Joy
Album : The Mary Lou Williams Collection 1927-59
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Song written by Mary Lou Williams, also on piano

Song : Betcha Nickel
Artist : Ella Fitzgerald and her Famous Orchestra
Album : Queen Of The Savoy: Early Years, Vol. 2 1937-39
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Ella Fitzgerald as bandleader, vocalist and song written by her (And Chick Webb)

Song : I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
Artist : Boswell Sisters
Album : The Boswell Sisters Swing!
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Sung by the Boswell Sisters

Song : Jazz Me Blues
Artist : Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses
Album : The B-Sides – New Orleans Compilation
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Bandleader, reeds Aurora Nealand

Song : Froggy Bottom (Take 2)
Artist : Kansas City Band
Album : KC After Dark
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Written by Mary Lou Williams

Song : Gimme A Pigfoot (And A Bottle Of Beer)
Artist : Nina Simone
Album : Nina Simone With Strings (Remastered 2004)
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Bandleader, piano and vocals by Nina Simone, song originally made popular by Bessie Smith

Song : That’s How Rhythm Was Born
Artist : The Boswell Sisters
Album : That’s How Rhythm Was Born
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Sung by the Boswell Sisters

Song : Baby, You Got What It Takes
Artist : Dinah Washington
Album : Dinah Washington: The Millenium Collection
Who are we featuring/focusing on : First recorded by Dinah Washington (+Brook Benton)

Song : TV Is The Thing This Year
Artist : Dianne Reeves
Album : Good Night, And Good Luck
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Vocalist, bandleader Dianne Reeves; original recording by Dinah Washington (Song featured as ‘one of the songs that helped shape Rock’n’Roll)

Song : Swing Is The Thing
Artist : Valaida Snow
Album : 1937-1940
Who are we featuring/focusing on : Bandleader, trumpet, vocals by Valaida Snow (Although she could play cello, bass, banjo, violin, mandolin, harp, accordion, clarinet, trumpet, and saxophone – all at pro levels!)